Every Story Whispers His Name…
This morning as I was attending to Brooks, I heard Henry running towards me with excitement, but my brain had yet to process what he was saying. (It takes a little bit more processing to translate two-year-old ramblings at times.) I turned around to see him with a book in his hands, and he was screaming with glee, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!!" He smiled with a smile that his face could barely contain as he held his treasure.
He was holding this precious book, The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
I’ve been meaning to share this book with you for quite sometime, but Henry’s little outburst prompted me to do so today. I began reading this to the boys shortly after the semi-truck dropped off our feeding table. Even though I knew they were too young to comprehend the stories, it’s never too early "in my book" to start sharing His story.
The stories are far from watered down or "cutesie", yet written in a level that is graspable for the very young. It has ministered to my heart on many occasions, and I would completely recommend it for ANY Christian, especially a new believer. The heart of this book is "every story whispers His name", depicting how everything in Scripture ties to Jesus. And the illustrations are just magnificent too:
Back to Henry – so as he stood holding his "Jesus" with pure joy, I was delighted to think that my little boy, has learned the most important name in the world; yet convicted that I lack pure delight and child-like wonder over my Savior. My greatest desire is that he (and his brothers) would know Jesus and follow HIm with all his heart. It’s my desire for each of you as well!
Philippians 3:12-14 "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." (The Message)
PS The only way Henry could have reached this book, which is placed on our shelf divider for safe keeping – out of reach from destructive hands, is by climbing and standing on the kids table. He knows better – but I let this one slide. =)
I love Philippians.
And there’s just something about little Henry! Aw! He has my heart.
Aww, great way to teach you babies the best lesson of all!! I will have to look into getting that book.
I often am wondering if I am doing anything right with my kids and than one of them will come up to me and tell me, “Jesus, loves you SO much.” I guess I am doing alright.
Great scripture reference and good reminder to love HIM with childlike wonder.
Oh, Jen, my eyes were just filled with tears when I read this story. You know how much I’ve loved this book, too. Every time I think about the little girl I am carrying, my heart’s cry is that she would know and treasure CHRIST above all else, and live to glorify him.
Thanks so much for the post! I have one last copy of JSB from last summer when I bought a truck load, but this time I think I’ll keep it for our baby girl!
Thanks so much for sharing this – it made my heart melt!!!
If there is something more precious to hear from your kids I don’t know what it is. It’s so rewarding to actually “hear” the fruit of your labor!! The first evidence of the sowing of seeds.
Good work! and praise to the Lord who gives the increase.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
TW
We love The Jesus Storybook Bible! I cried when I read the crucifixion story to my children–the simple words just hit home!
Thanks for sharing…until the whole world knows!
Thank you for sharing this book recommendation. I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for another bible book since our other has a little too much lovin’.
Yes, Jesus is the sweetest name I hear my children say.
This book is great! I bought it after Angie Smith recommended it on her blog and sat down and read it from cover to cover. I can’t wait to read it to my children some day. I never would have come up with some of those connections to Jesus, like Isaac carrying the wood up the hill for the sacrifice just Jesus carrying his own cross up the hill to Calvary.
How special Jen! I’ll have to look for that book for our kids, too.
What a wonderful story to share on Valentine’s Day. You are right there is no love bigger or better than that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
We love this book too! Another one I would highly recommend is The Big Picture Story Bible. They do a similar thing and weave the story of Jesus into the whole bible. http://www.amazon.com/Big-Picture-Story-Bible/dp/1581342772
This is actually my kids current fav and Daddy pics up reading each night right where we left off. They are hooked!
Jen, We have this one too, thanks to Aunt Jill! My kids love it, and like you said, it speaks to me too. When I was reading from Luke 2 with them around Christmas, I was the one welling up with tears. And like Henry, my kids sometimes reach to new heights to get to the “supervision only” book section! Too funny…
Christine C.
What a beautiful story about the One who teaches us how to love. That must have been a truly amazing moment! I find it awesome how people come to the Lord in so many different ways – billboards, Jesus fish, pamphlets handed out on a street corner, conversation with a friend, glare wear on a football player, this blog. Christians with a superiority complex are one of the worst enemies of our faith so if someone finds special meaning or a new understanding in the Message then God’s Word has been received. That is what it is all about.
Chris G
That’s the best Valentine’s present a mama could ask for! Keep sharing His word with these precious babies and you won’t go wrong!
I love this book as well. We read it to our 4,2, and 1 year old. The Lord’s Word will not return void!
awwww…that’s great, jen! so great!!! happy valentines to the murray crew!!!! sending tons of hugs and kisses your way! xxxxxxooooo
This is awesome, this book is really wonderful. I love the way every story points to Jesus. I read it to my 4 year old son too and he loves it.
Amen!! I’m glad we share a passion for the most important name in all the earth.
Adorable…he nailed this one today even though he should have not climbed 😉
~Elyse~
i too am a huge fan of this book. it’s become our favorite baby shower gift for new parents and we’ve actually purchased our own for the little baby girl growing inside me. thanks for your encouraging words. i love to see children falling in love with jesus.
Jen,
I would have let it slide, too. You are such a good Mama and Jesus is using you in such a wonderous way with these children and on this blog.
xoxo, Veronica in CA
Aww, that is precious! I can’t wait for my trio to say His name! Awesome!
The family I nanny for has this book and we read it before naptime, I love it!